Kristian climbs rankings

Athletics

Kristian Samwell-Nash was the star of the show as Ashford Leisure Trust organised its final open athletics competition of 2017.

The event season at the Julie Rose Stadium, last Wednesday, was attended by 65 athletes who competed in various track events and pole vault.

Ashford AC rising star Samwell-Nash won both the 150m and 600m events breaking the club records in both.

His 150m time of 17.35sec ranks him fifth on the all-time rankings for the under-15 boys’ and second all-time outdoors.

The 150m race was specially organised with all proceeds from the entries go to Cancer Research UK.

Ashford Leisure Trust Community development manager Peter Le Rossignol said: “These events are a great way for athletes of all ages and abilities to gain competition experience at one of the UK’s Athletes being supported by the Ashford Leisure Trust pictured with Laviai Nielsen and Mayor of Ashford Cllr Winston Michael and, right, Kristian Samwell-Nash top athletics tracks. The Trust would like to thank all the athletes and coaches who have supported this event.”

The Trust has also announced it will be supporting 14 local talented athletes as part of its 2017 talented athlete programme. The Trust was pleased to welcome IAAF World Athletics Championship 4x400m relay silver medallist Laviai Nielsen and the Mayor of Ashford Cllr Winston Michael to make the presentations.

The programme has been running since 2012 and supports local talented athletes of any age with a range of benefits including training kit, unlimited use of the Trust’s sports facilities and some financial support. The athletes being supported are Euan Cox (gymnastics), Giselle Desseaux (rhythmic gymnastics), Luke StonerLewis (cricket), Marshall Smith (athletics), Sarris Teale (athletics), Deborah Martin (athletics), Christopher Scrivens (athletics), Alexander Rampton (athletics/rugby), Owen Dell (ice hockey), Ashley Buckman (athletics), Hannah Parsler (rowing), Kristy Howells (para-cycling), Myles Frederick (rugby league), Nicole Amos (golf).

For more information on Ashford Leisure Trust visit www.ashfordleisuretrust.co.uk